TROOPS RETURNING from Chad have completed the Defence Forces' toughest mission in recent times, according to Comdt Gary McKeon.
Comdt McKeon said the members of the 97th Infantry Battalion, who spent four months on peace enforcement duties in the central African country, had endured extreme conditions comparable to Irish operations in the Congo 40 years ago.
"We have demonstrated to all actors in that theatre our absolute impartiality," said Comdt McKeon.
Troops from the 97th Infantry Battalion came under fire from rebel factions operating in the region last June, but there were no casualties.
Comdt McKeon said Irish troops had earned "universal approval" from NGOs, the Chadian government "and indeed the rebels".
He said the battalion built a camp on a greenfield site that became the envy of EUfor troops.
"The environment itself was extremely harsh and extremely difficult," he added.
"Temperatures were extreme to say the least.
"We recorded temperatures with a laser thermometer of over 50 degrees during the day."
Comdt McKeon said the peacekeepers had "laid the foundation stone for the development and maintenance of a safe and secure environment".
The 187 returning troops were drawn from units in Athlone, Mullingar, Longford and Donegal. They have been replaced by the 98th Infantry Battalion.
Hundreds of relatives and friends gathered at Casement Baldonnel airport yesterday afternoon to welcome them after their 13½-hour journey.
"I told you I wouldn't be long," Niall O'Connor from Crumlin told his fiancée, Vicky.
The pair will marry in a few weeks time. Their children Jack (8), Nathan (5) and 10-month-old baby Calum were also there to welcome their father home.
An emotional Margaret Byrne from Swords, Co Dublin, was waiting for her son Stephen.
"He's my only son, my buddy," Ms Byrne said. "I'm all excited, I couldn't even sleep. The funny thing is his dad was in the Lebanon when he was born, and he didn't see him until he was four- months-old.
"He's a great young fellow."
The Chadian mission is under the operational command of Lieut Gen Pat Nash.
Ireland and France are the two largest contributors.
